Tomorrow, hopefully the citizens of this country (USA) will gather
together and be thankful for what we have.
Statics tells us, most people have cell phones and TV here in this
country, and many people living west of the coast have a roof over
their heads. I feel so sorry for the poor people in NJ and NY who
have lost everything. If you can contribute to a charity of your choice
give as much as you can, because a lot of those people have nothing
now.
But for those of you who are enjoying reasonably good health and
have food to eat. although it may be less than you'd like, at least
we are alive. I feel that keenly this Thanksgiving. When you almost
don't make it, being alive suddenly is something in itself for which
to be extemely thankful. And I am. I'm still breathing, my heart
is still beating and I can move around without much help. Guess the
changes are all part of the aging process.
I'm thankful for so many things. As the song goes, "Every night I
count my blessings". May you also have many blessings to count.
Allison
www.AllisonKnight.com
Heart-warming Romance with a Sensual Touch
Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Trying to Write
Well, I found out something that makes my hair curl.
Okay, my hair is curly, kinda, now, but this really
made me stand up and take notice. (Well, not exactly)
I discovered I cannot, repeat, cannot write when I'm
under the weather.
I manage with a messed up computer, I could even do
it after surgery, but when I don't feel good, in fact
yucky, I cannot create. I'm almost finished with my sequel
to Heartsong - almost, and I'm at the critical turning
point of the story. I know what happens, I just can't
get it down on paper.
And we've had really hot weather here, which doesn't help.
Today is another extreme "heat alert" day, and we've had
quite a few so far. The problem is, we are close to the
gulf of Mexico and humidity is high, right along with
the heat.
Okay, I'll stop complaining, and try to put something
on paper.
Back to the story. Again! SIGH!
Allison
Allison Knight
"It's All About Romance"
"Heartsong" named Best Novel of the Year
"A Treasure for Sara" available now
Both from Champagne Books www.champagnebooks.com
Okay, my hair is curly, kinda, now, but this really
made me stand up and take notice. (Well, not exactly)
I discovered I cannot, repeat, cannot write when I'm
under the weather.
I manage with a messed up computer, I could even do
it after surgery, but when I don't feel good, in fact
yucky, I cannot create. I'm almost finished with my sequel
to Heartsong - almost, and I'm at the critical turning
point of the story. I know what happens, I just can't
get it down on paper.
And we've had really hot weather here, which doesn't help.
Today is another extreme "heat alert" day, and we've had
quite a few so far. The problem is, we are close to the
gulf of Mexico and humidity is high, right along with
the heat.
Okay, I'll stop complaining, and try to put something
on paper.
Back to the story. Again! SIGH!
Allison
Allison Knight
"It's All About Romance"
"Heartsong" named Best Novel of the Year
"A Treasure for Sara" available now
Both from Champagne Books www.champagnebooks.com
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The importance of research
Since I write historical romance, one of my big concerns is
getting the facts right. Sometimes that can be a real
problem. I wasn't born two hundred years ago, and I can't really
go back in time, nor do I believe anyone can. But I write
about two hundred years ago, or even earlier.
I'm lucky, because I always liked history. I've mentioned
before how my father and mother both talked about their ancestors.
Of course, some of what they told us was not quite the whole truth
but it did make for a good story.
No, when I want to know about times long ago, I have to depend on what
experts have uncovered. But even that is not always completely true.
I think about all the information I've heard about the American
Indians, and yet, my own family had a real connection to one of the
Iroquois tribes, although I'm not sure which one.
For instance, I didn't know this but the whole nation had a great
respect for the physically disabled. Those afflicted were not destroyed
as some would have you believe. I know this for a fact, because my
(many greats) grandmother was capture by one of the tribes at Ruggles
Station in Ohio. She was born with one half an arm. Her hand was
attached to her elbow, the middle bones never developed. When she
lost most of her family, they were killed in the attack, she and two
brothers were taken captive. Some time later, she and her younger brother
were released in a swap in Detroit. I guess she could only save one
brother. According to her stories, she was treated well, considered
a good omen by the Indians, and released in good condition. She
must have been because she very lived a long and fruitful life, with
many children and grandchildren.
So the whole point I'm trying to make, sometimes, even the experts
get it wrong.
More later.
As Ever,
Allison
"Heartsong" named
Novel Of The Year
"A Treasure For Sara"
available now from Champagne Books
getting the facts right. Sometimes that can be a real
problem. I wasn't born two hundred years ago, and I can't really
go back in time, nor do I believe anyone can. But I write
about two hundred years ago, or even earlier.
I'm lucky, because I always liked history. I've mentioned
before how my father and mother both talked about their ancestors.
Of course, some of what they told us was not quite the whole truth
but it did make for a good story.
No, when I want to know about times long ago, I have to depend on what
experts have uncovered. But even that is not always completely true.
I think about all the information I've heard about the American
Indians, and yet, my own family had a real connection to one of the
Iroquois tribes, although I'm not sure which one.
For instance, I didn't know this but the whole nation had a great
respect for the physically disabled. Those afflicted were not destroyed
as some would have you believe. I know this for a fact, because my
(many greats) grandmother was capture by one of the tribes at Ruggles
Station in Ohio. She was born with one half an arm. Her hand was
attached to her elbow, the middle bones never developed. When she
lost most of her family, they were killed in the attack, she and two
brothers were taken captive. Some time later, she and her younger brother
were released in a swap in Detroit. I guess she could only save one
brother. According to her stories, she was treated well, considered
a good omen by the Indians, and released in good condition. She
must have been because she very lived a long and fruitful life, with
many children and grandchildren.
So the whole point I'm trying to make, sometimes, even the experts
get it wrong.
More later.
As Ever,
Allison
"Heartsong" named
Novel Of The Year
"A Treasure For Sara"
available now from Champagne Books
Monday, January 26, 2009
Great News
Every once in a while, an author's work is
recognized and is it wonderful.
My publisher just notified me that "Heartsong"
has been nominated as novel of the year. I've
been named with four other authors as having
written a book good enough for such a title.
On April first the best of the best will be
named "Book of the Year". I'd love to have
that title, but just to be nominated is a
huge thrill.
Along with the information about the nomination
I also got the cover for my March release, "A
Treasure For Sara". I'll share the cover in a day
or two.
This is one of those times when being an
author is truly exciting. Time to celebrate!
Allison
www.AllisonKnight.com
"Heartsong" nominated by
Champagne Books as novel
of the year.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Changes
Change seems to be the big word at the moment.
So I decided to make a few changes myself -
kinda like New Year's resolutions.
First, I decided to scrub and wax the kitchen
floor. I've been sticking to it for weeks now.
And I finished yesterday. It took all day, for
I have a BIG kitchen.
Thursday the newest addition to the family,
Wallie, goes to the vet for his surgery. The vet
assures me it's a simple procedure, and not too
painful for the little guy, but necessary
because I don't want a howling, parading male
cat rounding around looking for a mate.
I also decided I'm not going to get stuck in the
kitchen this season making dozens of Christmas
cookies nobody needs, or should eat - me included.
I'll make just two kinds and of course, my usual
toffee. That's all, except maybe a batch of old
fashioned fudge.
Then there's my books. I working deligently on my
WIP and I'm delighted to say, it is coming along
nicely. I'll have it completely rewritten before
Christams - I hope.
And I'm going to change the amount of Christmas
decorations this year. A lot fewer than usual.
I'll keep reminding myself, what goes up must
come down. That should do it.
Yep! Gonna make some changes.
Allison
www.AllisonKnight.com
"Heartsong" a medieval romance
now available from Champagne Books
in both digital format and trade paperback.
So I decided to make a few changes myself -
kinda like New Year's resolutions.
First, I decided to scrub and wax the kitchen
floor. I've been sticking to it for weeks now.
And I finished yesterday. It took all day, for
I have a BIG kitchen.
Thursday the newest addition to the family,
Wallie, goes to the vet for his surgery. The vet
assures me it's a simple procedure, and not too
painful for the little guy, but necessary
because I don't want a howling, parading male
cat rounding around looking for a mate.
I also decided I'm not going to get stuck in the
kitchen this season making dozens of Christmas
cookies nobody needs, or should eat - me included.
I'll make just two kinds and of course, my usual
toffee. That's all, except maybe a batch of old
fashioned fudge.
Then there's my books. I working deligently on my
WIP and I'm delighted to say, it is coming along
nicely. I'll have it completely rewritten before
Christams - I hope.
And I'm going to change the amount of Christmas
decorations this year. A lot fewer than usual.
I'll keep reminding myself, what goes up must
come down. That should do it.
Yep! Gonna make some changes.
Allison
www.AllisonKnight.com
"Heartsong" a medieval romance
now available from Champagne Books
in both digital format and trade paperback.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Approaching Winter
Ever wonder what the rest of the country might
be like toward the end of October. I used to
speculate, as northern nights turned cold. In
fact, in parts of the north, you designed or
bought a Halloween costune for your kids and
made sure it was big enough to fit over a snowsuit.
We've lived in a lot of places in the US and
fall always meant leaves changing color and
dropping to the earth to be accumulated and
burned. It meant getting out winter coats and
sweaters and remembering to check the coal
or oil for winter heating.
Here in the deep south, things are very different.
You sigh with relief that a hurricane passed you
by this year, you don't need to unpack winter coats
or sweaters because you don't have any, and
most of the homes are electric. A fireplace or
small heater, in case it gets cold, probably in
late December or January is all you need. I'm
told it's been 20 years since it snowed. And I
love it!
We do worry about the plants having enough moisture
in the ground to last the winter so we don't have
to water. There's an occasional thought about
stacking the pile of fire wood, but it's only
a small thought because the pile is tiny, maybe
a dozen quartered logs.
Now you understand why we love living in the south,
since we never did like the cold. Snow at
Christmas was nice, beautiful even, but the ice
and gray slush, the need for two wardrobes, the
expense of heating the house made winter a trial.
Nope! Southern living is definitely for me. Warm
weather, fresh seafood, the blue waters of the gulf
(when they behave) and the friendliness of the
people make this a wonderful place to live.
Allison
www.AllisonKnight.com
"Heartsong" available
now from Champagne Books
be like toward the end of October. I used to
speculate, as northern nights turned cold. In
fact, in parts of the north, you designed or
bought a Halloween costune for your kids and
made sure it was big enough to fit over a snowsuit.
We've lived in a lot of places in the US and
fall always meant leaves changing color and
dropping to the earth to be accumulated and
burned. It meant getting out winter coats and
sweaters and remembering to check the coal
or oil for winter heating.
Here in the deep south, things are very different.
You sigh with relief that a hurricane passed you
by this year, you don't need to unpack winter coats
or sweaters because you don't have any, and
most of the homes are electric. A fireplace or
small heater, in case it gets cold, probably in
late December or January is all you need. I'm
told it's been 20 years since it snowed. And I
love it!
We do worry about the plants having enough moisture
in the ground to last the winter so we don't have
to water. There's an occasional thought about
stacking the pile of fire wood, but it's only
a small thought because the pile is tiny, maybe
a dozen quartered logs.
Now you understand why we love living in the south,
since we never did like the cold. Snow at
Christmas was nice, beautiful even, but the ice
and gray slush, the need for two wardrobes, the
expense of heating the house made winter a trial.
Nope! Southern living is definitely for me. Warm
weather, fresh seafood, the blue waters of the gulf
(when they behave) and the friendliness of the
people make this a wonderful place to live.
Allison
www.AllisonKnight.com
"Heartsong" available
now from Champagne Books
Saturday, October 04, 2008
My Life with the Kitten
As I said, we have an addition to the family, a
tiny black kitten. Well, that was a month ago.
That kitten is growing up.
And he is developing some very bad habits. I've
lost all my house plants... I had baskets of
large potpourri around the house. Notice, I said
I did. Now the stuff is all over the floors.
Great toys.
I can no longer work contentedly at my computer.
Nope, he wants attention, so he jumps on my lap,
crawls onto the desk, via the keyboard and sits
in front of my monitor. He's big enough now to
block the screen (or most of it!)
But, he's a cute little bugger and I'm not at all sorry
we have him. He'll be great - when he gets a
little older.
Until then, I've discovered if I have to do any
serious writing, I better close my office door.
It's closed now. Or I would never have gotten
this post written.
That's my life with our kitten...
As ever,
Allison
www.allisonknight.com
"Heartsong" available now
from Champagne Books
tiny black kitten. Well, that was a month ago.
That kitten is growing up.
And he is developing some very bad habits. I've
lost all my house plants... I had baskets of
large potpourri around the house. Notice, I said
I did. Now the stuff is all over the floors.
Great toys.
I can no longer work contentedly at my computer.
Nope, he wants attention, so he jumps on my lap,
crawls onto the desk, via the keyboard and sits
in front of my monitor. He's big enough now to
block the screen (or most of it!)
But, he's a cute little bugger and I'm not at all sorry
we have him. He'll be great - when he gets a
little older.
Until then, I've discovered if I have to do any
serious writing, I better close my office door.
It's closed now. Or I would never have gotten
this post written.
That's my life with our kitten...
As ever,
Allison
www.allisonknight.com
"Heartsong" available now
from Champagne Books
Monday, March 10, 2008
WHY I WRITE!
Occasionally, when I present my program on publishing to junior high students (grades 6, 7 and 8 in the US), I get the question – “Why do you write books?”
It’s usually asked by a student who hates anything to do with composition. But, if you think about it, it’s really an excellent question. Why do I write? Let me try and explain.
First, money is not the most important reason, although that’s usually what the kids answer when I ask what they think. They are certain writing a book is an easy way to make a bundle of dollars. They’re not happy when I tell them few authors make a lot of money. There are some exceptions of course, but even if you go back in history, few authors, then or now, made a lot of money.
You should hear the groans when I tell them the primary reason I write is that I have to write. However, it’s true. The characters running through my mind require I tell their stories.
However something special occurs when I write a novel. For a time, I get to dwell in another time, get to become another person, live a different life. Oh, there’s nothing wrong with my life, but I’ve always been a daydreamer. Writing romances fulfills all the daydreams I could ever have.
No matter if today I am a villain, or the next day I’m a lonely heroine, crying out for attention, or justice, or romance, I still get to be all kinds of people. Because I usually write in a historical time period, I also learn how people lived years before. In fact, researching a book is often nearly as much fun as writing the thing. And putting my tales on paper affords me a tremendous sense of accomplishment.
Is writing a novel hard work? You better believe it. Sometimes your characters won’t behave the way you want them to, or the plot takes an unbelievable twist and your whole concept changes. The ability to use appropriate words is critical and it can be a struggle to find just the right word or phrase. The actual writing, either on paper or on the computer, is physical work. So yes, writing is definitely hard work, but when you love what you do….
It’s usually asked by a student who hates anything to do with composition. But, if you think about it, it’s really an excellent question. Why do I write? Let me try and explain.
First, money is not the most important reason, although that’s usually what the kids answer when I ask what they think. They are certain writing a book is an easy way to make a bundle of dollars. They’re not happy when I tell them few authors make a lot of money. There are some exceptions of course, but even if you go back in history, few authors, then or now, made a lot of money.
You should hear the groans when I tell them the primary reason I write is that I have to write. However, it’s true. The characters running through my mind require I tell their stories.
However something special occurs when I write a novel. For a time, I get to dwell in another time, get to become another person, live a different life. Oh, there’s nothing wrong with my life, but I’ve always been a daydreamer. Writing romances fulfills all the daydreams I could ever have.
No matter if today I am a villain, or the next day I’m a lonely heroine, crying out for attention, or justice, or romance, I still get to be all kinds of people. Because I usually write in a historical time period, I also learn how people lived years before. In fact, researching a book is often nearly as much fun as writing the thing. And putting my tales on paper affords me a tremendous sense of accomplishment.
Is writing a novel hard work? You better believe it. Sometimes your characters won’t behave the way you want them to, or the plot takes an unbelievable twist and your whole concept changes. The ability to use appropriate words is critical and it can be a struggle to find just the right word or phrase. The actual writing, either on paper or on the computer, is physical work. So yes, writing is definitely hard work, but when you love what you do….
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)